Family Recovery

Every family experiences substance use disorder in its own way. These different experiences mean that each family will have their own path to health and recovery.

Family members are survivors who need to go through their own healing process. The concept of “family recovery” is about the family – individually and collectively – regaining their health. This healing must happen for individual family members, for relationships within the family, and for the family as a whole.

The healing of family recovery has become the most powerful way to break the cycle of addiction in the family. As your loved one pursues his or her own path to recovery, you need to focus on your wellness.

The process of family recovery often begins with a realization that you can’t control your loved one or the addiction. Getting support from others is also key to your recovery.

The path to family recovery is not easy. Relapse can be demoralizing and cause anger. And research shows that the process of recovery can be disruptive and traumatic because of instability in family relationships. People recover – and there is hope – but it can take time.

SOURCE: W. White, R. Lindsey “Alcoholism, the Family and the Limits of Love: A Biography of Hope and Healing”